3 Ways to be a Great Business Leader

One of my greatest lessons in management was through 10 years of mentoring a group of teenage writers. Between keeping them on deadline, and staying privy to their health and happiness while they traversed the turbulent waters of high school, it was a delicate balance to earn and maintain their trust and respect. I wasn’t a peer, a teacher, or a parent. Instead, as a mentor and facilitator, my goal was to inspire them to make good choices, and support them in discovering their own innate desires to stay on track and become their best. I wanted to be a friend enough that they could feel safe to share the tough stuff, and yet still have their respect as a team leader.

The corporate world requires a similar approach. We’ve evolved past the “I am the boss, you must do what I say,” patronization; today great leaders are those who listen, guide, and inspire. As you hone your leadership skills and cultivate healthy and efficient collaboration among your team, take into consideration these three guiding principles:

1. Encourage Open Communication

Being a leader isn’t about everyone marching to your drum. Instead you must fine tune your ear to the pulse of your team, and empower them to take an active role in what you’re creating together. Show a genuine interest in ideas versus making people feel wrong or stupid for speaking up. Take the time to draw out the quieter ones, and pay close attention to the feedback from those who are on the front lines of your organization, interacting with the customers or clients. When individuals are rewarded for their ideas, and encouraged to participate in the health and success of the company, it gives them more ownership and pride in their work.

2. Respect Breeds Respect

Respecting your team is the first step in earning their respect. Nobody wants to feel like a number or a cog in the wheel. Take the time to get clear on their individual strengths, and what personal and professional goals they have associated with this role. Knowing their strengths will not only help you produce better work from your team, but it will actually give you important information on how you can best serve them as a manager. One of the easiest and most powerful ways to respect your team is by acknowledging the time and effort they contribute. When your team respects you, they want to do great work for you. Work gets done more efficiently, and everyone feels honored for what they’re bringing to the table.

Today great leaders are those who listen, guide, and inspire.

3. Lead by Example

Leadership requires personal integrity and self-awareness. You have to know yourself and your own values well enough to ensure you’re aligned with the work you’re doing, because when you are, you’ll be able to lead with heart, even through the toughest decisions. You’re also able to be present with the individuals on your team and hear where they’re coming from when they open up to you.

Leading by example also means being clear on your boundaries and expectations, from how you manage your time to how you communicate progress with the team. Accepting personal responsibility for yourself and your actions encourages your team to do so themselves. This means nobody can play the blame game—not even you. If someone on your team isn’t doing well, first look at how you may better communicate the expectations of the role, or the task at hand. Explore how you can work together to support them in succeeding.

If you have driven, loyal team members, they may take on more work than they can manage, or work that’s not necessarily in their wheelhouse of experience. Remember, each person on your team is an investment. They may be putting their heart and soul into it, ready to do what it takes, but as they step into more responsibility, your guidance can help pave the runway for their success. Don’t underestimate the power of working with an individual to help them grow. Their growth can benefit everyone involved, and you can take pride in being a leader that helps people step into their full potential.

Trust and respect are cornerstones of any healthy relationship, and cultivating these attributes is key to successful leadership. Work as a team, and inspire open communication and effective collaboration. Done well, your team will be a force to be reckoned with.